The Turkish weather has been perfect for the cultivation of cherries, says Mert Özcelik, sales representative of Turkish fresh produce exporter Ana Fruit: "The weather has been within the normal expectations, and current weather is actually perfect for the cultivation of cherries. The cherries need a temperature between 15 and 25 degrees Celsius for blooming and until harvest time. Currently the weather is within these parameters, so we're very content."
In recent years, cherry exporters had a lot more problems to deal with before the cherry season even started, Özcelik explains. "This pre-season, we didn't face any real issues up until now and everything is looking quite positive right now. In the past few years, we have had to face major challenges before the cherry season even started, such as heavy rains before the harvest time. This has a negative effect on the quality of the cherries by a significant margin, as it created cracks on the cherries, leading to a major drop on export volumes compared to the good years."
Özcelik emphasizes that they do not make use of the Red Sea route, and as such they do not expect any issues with their transport of the cherries this season, even when exporting cherries to Asian markets: "The Red Sea situation will not affect our cherry season, because our main market is Europe, to which we export via road. Also for Asia, South East Asia, Africa and Middle East countries we prefer to send our cherries via air cargo. As such, we foresee that Red Sea situation will not affect our cherry season, as we don't really use the route."
According to Özcelik, the pesticide levels on cherries have improved a lot, thanks to helpful education from the company. "Since mid-February, our Agricultural Department is arranging meetings with the cherry producers all over Turkey. They're informing the producers about how the cherries can be cultivated more efficiently, with better quality and how to remain below the pesticide values that are required by Europe standards."
Looking ahead, Özcelik hopes that Ana Fruit will be able to expand in both Asian and African markets this season: "We'd like to increase our export volumes to some African and Asian markets, where demand is lower right now. It would be great for us to expand our business in these territories and we hope that the new season will provide us with the opportunity to do so. We also hope that the season will be a better one than last year, so far the signs are looking promising," she concludes.
For more information:
Kubra Nur Guven
Ana Fruit Gıda San. Ve Tic. Ltd. Sti
Tel: +90 246 606 0660
Mobile: +90 534 838 4232
Email: [email protected]
www.anafruit.com.tr